Making Magic In Madrid

dancing till dawn

Since it's likely too early to hit the dance floor, a wise choice would be to go see some live bands at Café Central, a place where top jazz artists frequently appear. Enjoy the sounds of the live band and then step out into the street to choose from a wide variety of nightclubs.

For flamenco shows and some sensual dancing, Casa Patas is the spot, while the Palacio de Gaviria offers a beautiful interior and a different theme every night of the week, from tango and salsa to international flavors. Have a great night, stay up real late, but watch your pocketbook — entry and drinks are known to be very pricey in Madrid.

Day 2: The outdoors and true tapas The perfect way to shake off last night's excitement is by visiting Madrid's most impressive park, the Parque del Buen Retiro (Good Retreat Park). Here, people come to escape the city's hustle and bustle, strolling past magicians, musicians and poets.

To blend in, purchase some fried corn kernels ( kikos ) and follow the paths that meander throughout this huge green space. Have your future predicted by a tarot reader, rent a rowboat near the man-made lake and appreciate the scenery — not to mention the numerous seoritas .

kick it old-school

Continuing the outdoor excursion, make your way to El Rastro, Spain's biggest flea market, where bargaining is expected; there you can pick up a wide variety of beautiful ornaments. If you're not into that, stroll north to see the Palacio Real, a palace of 2,800 rooms, and the Plaza Mayor, a unique Spanish square. At the Plaza, take a break by tasting some of the different sangrias at the taverns and get some sustenance by trying a fried squid sandwich. Ol!

Realistically, all this walking will wear you down a bit, so finding a place to chill at this juncture is recommended. Stick to the Plaza if you like the sangria, but there are numerous taverns in the vicinity that will recharge your batteries and offer you insight into true Madrilenian culture.

Return to your hotel to get refreshed and into gear for another night out. You're up to it, right? The Moncloa - Argelles district doesn't get going until after 9pm, but if you arrive early and the sun is still up, check out the Faro de Madrid. It is essentially a lighthouse — although there is no water around — and serves as a great lookout from which to gaze at the city in all directions. Even the ride to the top is exciting, as it takes place in a glass elevator.

tapping it tapas style

For the most authentic Spanish experience, you must spend your night at a tapas bar. Although you may have visited one on Day 1, this will be even better. As you walk into one of the many that line the area, you'll notice some big differences than what you are used to at a regular bar. As you sit at the bar, many different two-bite dishes will pass by to accompany your drink. Grab one that looks tasty, but don't worry about paying right away — the "bartender" keeps track of your tab with a skillful eye.

Once you're done eating a dish and only the remnants of a bone or toothpick remain, toss it all on the floor. This is the Spanish way: A rowdy, fun time where people bond over plates of delicious food and numerous drinks. You'll get used to the mess after trying different sausages, marinated vegetables and pastries. It may seem strange at first, but after a short time, you'll realize how fun a night at a tapas bar can be.